Ever see a plumber in a three-piece suit? No? Neither have I. But if I did, I would wonder if they were good at their job. I prefer my plumber in jeans and a T-shirt, semi dirty and wearing a tool belt. (I could go on, but that is another type of blog post!)

Depending on your industry, there are certain ways to dress. As a business owner, I have more flexibility in my attire because I choose the way I brand my company and I write the employee manual that determines other people’s dos and don’ts.  Branding is how you present yourself and your business.

In my insurance practice, The Insurance People, I have branded it as an agency where middle-class families and business owners can find affordable insurance. We consider ourselves fun and savvy, and we take pride in educating our clients. We want to be accessible and easy to work with.

Many people in the insurance industry come off as stuffy and they tend to dress super well. They are the person in the room that always wears a tie. Yep, you know the one. If they weren’t an insurance agent, they were a banker. At The Insurance People, we maintain a classic yet casual brand.

What works for your industry?

The right photo all depends on your industry. As I mentioned, if my plumber donned a three-piece suit, I would question their ability to do a good job.

When you present yourself to the world, you want your clothing to speak well for you and your brand. If that brand is laid back and fun, you better own a lot of jeans! If that brand is classy and expensive, you better own a few Astor & Black options! Know your brand and work your clothing around it.

Once you know your brand and clothing, the next step is to get some professional photos.

Why You Should Have a Professional Photo

Presenting yourself and your brand consistently is crucial for any business; professional photos are a key way to do that. How do you take the right photo? Here are three tips on how to take a great professional photo:

1. Choose the right background. This means you aren’t standing in your kitchen asking your best friend to use their phone to take a few shots of you in front of “this” white wall. Choose a background that fits your brand, speaks well for what you do and isn’t too cluttered.
2. Wear appropriate clothing. Dress for success! Make sure your clothing is aligned with your brand, whether that’s casual and laid back, or experienced and knowledgeable. Make sure to do your hair and makeup so you look your best.
3. Make sure to be you. Regardless of your industry, the most important thing is to make sure your photo represents you. Be genuine and true to your brand.

Take a look at this example:

Which photo makes you feel comfortable? Which photo says professional? Which photo screams THIS ONE? Which photo would you buy from? Which photo … oh … you get the point, OK!

So the point is that professional photos and dress means something different depending to everyone and every  industry. Just because the photo was taken professionally does not mean it’s appropriate, matches your brand or speaks well for you.

If you need help with your next photo op or have more questions, join me at an eWomenNetwork event where you can learn the 101 on being your authentic self in person and in front of the camera.

Alexandra C. Eidenberg is president of The Insurance People, a Chicago-based insurance agency, and executive director of @eWomenNetwork. Find her on Twitter @ACEidenberg and on Facebook.